Activists worried about nearby paintball field

[ClankySubset]

Austrailian wildlife activists are worried about a paintball field that is opening near an Animal Park.

It was the one slogan that said it all - "Save Our Symbio".

That was the catchcry of placard-carrying protesters, young and old, as they stood outside the Stanwell Tops park and made clear their opposition to a proposed development near Symbio Wildlife Gardens.

The passionate response from about 200 demonstrators left Symbio Wildlife Gardens managing director John Radnidge feeling overwhelmed.

"When I came out to address the audience I looked up and I had a lump in my throat. I was not surprised by the number of people, just amazed by the level of support," he said.

"Symbio is the people's park. I don't own it. I think if it was closed the residents would run me out of town."

The protesters believe the wildlife at the Illawarra's only animal park would be threatened by a paintball operation proposed to be set up nearby.

Action Paintball Games, which has operated a site at Rouse Hill in Western Sydney for five years, lodged a development application in 2002 for the site near Symbio.

Wollongong City Council delayed consideration of the DA until more detailed environment information was provided but is due to make a decision at the end of this month.

"I think clearly the people of Wollongong have spoken," Mr Radnidge said.

"That is represented by way of attendance to the rally and their passion for Symbio. The groundswell of support has mounted over the past seven days.

"I know this is a special place and I think the council will see we are so loved and important. We're so passionate and we will continue to develop and grow the park without losing our personality."

Rally organiser and Helensburgh resident Penny McDonald said she was pleased at the outcome of the rally held outside the park.

"We are feeling very positive. I think that's due to the fact that instead of residents showing concern, we have made it into the public and a neighbourhood showing concern," she said.

"We are working together to save Symbio. That's wonderful because that's what our community is about."

Action Paintball general manager Michael Whybrew said he had been told that about 150 people attended the rally.

He said the number was less than he had expected after the campaigning done by the park and Stanwell Tops residents. Despite the opposition the DA would remain before the council.

Before the rally Mr Radnidge said further research into the impact of a paintball business on the wildlife park would be carried out and the community would be encouraged to sign petitions opposing granting of the DA.

http://www.illawarramercury.com.au/a...927468558.html